To have access to legal employment in Iran, all adult foreign nationals must maintain valid legal residency in Iran and obtain a valid work permit issued by the Government of Iran.
Legal employment reduces the risks of exploitation and deportation from the country for violating the national legislation, and allows you to benefit of protective measures available to all employees legally working in Iran.
Adult foreign nationals in the possession of the below valid documents can obtain work permits enabling them to work legally in Iran:
- Amayesh/Hoviat cards
- Passports with working visa.
- Residence permits, including residence booklets and residential passport , if allowed to work based on their type of residence.
Foreign nationals legally residing in the country and in the possession of the above mentioned valid documents can apply for work permits through kefalat centers.
The cost of work permits is annually introduced by the Budget Law, based on which, for 1404, issuance of permit costs 12 million IRR, and extension of the permit costs 10 million IRR. Other administrative fees might apply e.g. for printing the card.
Varying from province to province, foreign nationals in general might need to choose their field of occupation within the job categories available to foreigners. For more info in this regard, please approach Kefalat centers, BAFIA offices or the Department of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare in your area of residence. Working without a legal, valid right to stay and without a legal, valid work permit is a violation of the national legislation and will put you in danger of being arrested and deported.
Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
One of the most important Protection solutions for refugees in Iran is the improvement of their livelihoods and economic conditions. Ensuring sustainable livelihoods not only helps to increase refugees’ self-reliance and economic independence, but also plays a key role in preserving their human dignity and enhancing their self-esteem.
In this regard, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cooperation with governmental institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran—such as the Technical and Vocational Training Organization (TVTO)—and also with non-governmental organizations, implements some projects aimed at enhancing job skills and strengthening the economic capacity of refugees. Each project has specific targets and normally runs from the first quarter of the year until the end of December, depending on the type of course. If you are an Amayesh/Hoviat card holder and interested in benefitting from skills and vocational training, please contact the nearest UNHCR office.
These programs include the organization of technical and vocational training courses in diverse fields, skill-building workshops, as well as small-scale entrepreneurship projects and support for micro-businesses. You may check the website of TVTO (LINK) and NGO Mehr ILIA Shemiranat (ILIA) (LINK).
By participating in training courses offered by TVTO and successfully passing the final examinations, trainees are awarded valid official certifications from Iran’s TVTO, which can support their recognition of skills.
Aligned with this, under the framework of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, UNHCR—together with the governments of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—pursues a multilateral approach to strengthening the economic resilience of refugees, reducing pressure on host communities, and facilitating voluntary return and sustainable reintegration in countries of origin.
Such initiatives, in addition to reinforcing refugees’ self-reliance, also help reduce economic pressures on host communities and create conditions for refugees to return to their countries with new skills and knowledge, enabling them to experience a more successful and sustainable reintegration into their societies.